Summit Group's Executive Leadership Team

Michael Harper

Chairman

Mike Sr. as he is known around Summit has been in the Branded Merchandise & Recognition Industry for 38 years.  After graduating from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN -aka the Harvard of the Artic) and a 2 ½ year stint in sales with the Prince Gardner Leather Goods Company, he joined his father, John Harper to “build a business”.  As the Chairman/CEO, Mike is very proud to see Summit Group has grown to be one of the largest distributors in the Industry.

He likes to vacation and play golf.  He also enjoys spending time with his grandchildren who get very excited to see him especially when he brings ice cream treats!  Other than his loving wife of 38 years, he has three other passions:  

  • Seeing his four children grow-up and be happy with their families and their chosen careers

  • Making Summit a success

  • Seeing other Summit Associates become successful and be prosperous

Denis Harper

Vice Chairman

Denis has worked in the Branded Merchandise and Recognition industry for over 36 years. He began his career working with his father, John Harper (company founder) and brother, Michael after graduating from the University of St. Thomas and attaining a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the Catholic University of America.  His responsibilities include developing and steering corporate strategic planning, Leadership Team administration, Organization Health & Culture initiatives and industry groups liaison (PPAI, PeerNet and IGC) for all of Summit.  

His extracurricular activities include participating in a number of non-profit education and youth related organizations in the Washington DC area as well as spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Michael J. Harper
Chief Executive Officer

Michael J. Harper represents the third-generation of Summit leadership.  In previous roles, Mike served as an Account Executive for over 10 years and recently as Group President of Summit Branded Solutions.  After attending the University of Notre Dame and a spending time in technology sales, Mike joined the family business.

As CEO, Mike leads all three lines of business for Summit - Summit Branded Solutions, Summit Marketing Solutions, and Summit Recognition Solutions - as well as the executive leadership team.

In his spare time, Mike’s three young children keep him on his toes and challenge the very notion of “spare time”!

 

 

Ken Wittenberg
Chief Sales Officer

Ken has worked in the Branded Merchandise and Recognition industry for over 30 years. He earned his Master of Business degree from The University of Chicago and his Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University. Growing up in a home with a father who worked three jobs to support his family, Ken began working at his dad’s sporting goods store when he was six. That strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit has propelled Ken and Summit to new heights over the past three decades. 

As Chief Sales Officer, Ken is responsible for Strategic Sales and multi-faceted Strategic Partnerships with key clients, across the enterprise.     

Ken has been married for more than 30 years and has three children that have kept him active in such things as coaching, golfing, fishing, recreational motor sports, playing basketball and skiing.   

Rusty Allen
Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer

As the COO and CFO, Rusty manages the overall financial needs of the organization as well as directing several operating functions to support all groups.

Rusty brings over 30 years of progressive Finance and Operations experience in several industries including Hospitality, Insurance, Technology, and Tele-communications.

When he is not coaching on the basketball court, he is calling plays within the Summit organization.

 

 

 

Dana Bernard
Director of Human Resources

As the Director of Human Resources for Summit, Dana manages all HR functions on a corporate level, while focusing on organizational health.

She is a proud West Viriginia University graduate in HR Management.  During collegiate football season, she wears her Old Gold and Navy to cheer on her Mountaineers!

In her spare time, Dana is a car enthusiast – a passion which started at an early age and an admiration that will never go away!